Welcome to my blog, Pugnacious P...tales of Payton the Pug! My parents say I was a miracle and the toughest creature they’ve ever met. Despite being diagnosed with Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE), I lived a wonderful life. Read more in the "My PDE Story" page in the green banner just below. I hope you enjoy reading about my adventurous life! Love, Angel Payton

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Friday, April 27, 2012

And so it ends...

Exactly one year ago today, Payton and I started Pugnacious P. I had hoped this anniversary post would be much different, but in life you don't always know where the road will take you. I know this poem is cited often, but it came to mind immediately when thinking about the last 9 years since Payton became a part of my family. And I think that it also applies to the journey I signed up for last April when I published the first entry on this blog.

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,I took the one less traveled by,And that has made all the difference.

-- Robert Frost

After 168 entries,
almost 32,000 page views, and just over 2,500 comments, this will be the last normal post. But I plan to keep Pugnacious P on-line as long
as Blogger will host it, so Payton’s story will always be just one
Google
search away to anyone that may need it. Yes, you might see an update or two occasionally if there is more I can share regarding PDE, and I will strive to keep the PDE related links and material up to date. I will also post PDE related information on my FaceBook profile, Payton Boostrom. Hopefully I will be able to write about some
real breakthroughs! I am so proud that Payton is a part of Dr. Kim Greer's research, it gives meaning to all of her struggles and early death.

This blogging adventure has been a tremendous success. Payton and I met our goals to raise awareness of PDE and provide
hope. It
has been amazing to me how many people in need of PDE-related guidance
have stumbled across this blog and contacted me for help. It is
incredible that what we sought out to do has been accomplished. And now that Payton is no longer with us, I am so thankful to have this precious
keepsake of memories. I can't wait to mess with Blog 2 Print and create
the best coffee table book.

Well,
it’s time to figure out and move on with the next chapter in my life. Thank you all for being such
dedicated Pugnacious P followers and for welcoming us into this wonderful
blogville family. I am so grateful and
blessed because of it.

Our first post had a picture of Payton and I, so I leave you with the last one of us together taken by Suki's mom during our trip to Dallas, TX.

Love,

Christy

PS. I have created my own Blogger and WordPress account, so look for "Payton's mom" to start making comments in a week or two. But know that I continue to read and enjoy all of your posts/blogs even if I don't say "hi".

32 comments:

Hi Christy and Family,I had read your blog from day one to now! I have loved all your adventures no matter how big or small, I have learned such wonderful lessons from you, met so many nice people through you and I will miss Payton every day, but I know that she will always be in my heart and will always be in yours too, she lives on through you and all the wonderful memories shared by you, me and all the fellow Bloggers! I wish you luck with your new blog, please continue to follow me and I will follow you on your new adventures! Lots of Love, Hugs and Kisses from Jemma, Malo and Frank xxxxxxxxxx

That has always been one of my favorite poems and such a good life philosophy.

I haven't quite figured it out, but there really is something about Pugs that gives a richness to life. Maybe its the fact their breed is 2000 years, or maybe its just their silly, sweet faces. Whatever it is, it is a blessing.

The poem was a perfect choice. We never know what waits for us on the paths we take. We are glad the path you and Payton took brought you to us. We hope your next adventure can fill a different part of your heart. Love doesn't end.

Good luck and God bless. I agree that, while puppies are super cute, there's something special about the older, whiter, wrinkley face that just melts my heart. Your posts this last week have made me realize what a gift it is that I have 2 of those precious little faces that I can shower with kisses. Thank you for that!Joette (megan and jasper's mom)

Hi Payon's Mom -It is truly an accomplishment to have written so many great posts and brought awareness of PDE to so many people in such a short time. Payton was the first pug I've ever met with PDE and it was very inspiring to hear her story. It was also fun to tag along with your adventures this past year.

I still miss Payton very much so I'm going to go back to the begining and re-read all the posts. I hope that revisiting all her stories will help my heart feel better. I'm also excited to see what you you will be up to next.

I will never forget Walter Payton and I will never forget Pugnacious P. Your blog is a part of our life now and occasionally We will stop back in for a reminder and a story or two of one incredible PUG and her equally incredible PUGrents.Love you loads,Noodles and Mommys

It's still hard to belive:( thanks to Puglet we found your blog, and it was giving us so much joy. Payton will be in our hearts forever, and hope we will be friends forever :) love you Gosia Fredzik Zuzia and Pucia

Thanks for an awesome! We have been silently reading it every day for the last 6 months. We feel like we know you and Payton! If you guys live near Ft. Wayne, Indiana (I think you live near Chicago?) there is a PugFest at the Coliseum in early June put on by Kentuckyana Pug Rescue. You guys should come!

That is one of my favorite poems, and it says so much. The path you chose with Payton was less traveled - but you filled it with love, and trust, and patience, and in return you allowed all of us to follow you and Payton down that path. Hopefully the ending journey wasn't as lonely as it might have otherwise have been. Thank you for sharing a part of your life, your parents (Gammy and Gampy) and of course Payton. It's been an honor.

My momma loves that poem by Robert Frost! I so enjoyed reading about Payton's "wonder full" life with you...and will miss the blog. All the best whichever road takes you on your next adventure!Many kisses and mucho hugs from,Eddie the Pug (from Northern CA)

Thank you again for allowing us to share in Payton and all of your journey. You touched our lives.Angel Payton is now watching and guiding me- and teaching meto live with courage as she did. To live each day to the fullest. To love unconditionally- without judgement.Forever in my heart- she will be.lovetweedles

I believe that you and Payton were destine for each other. You were able to give her the love and attention she need and she in turn showed you unconditional love. The last couple of post have been a beautiful tribute to Payton. Wishing you love and healing thoughts.

Thank you for sharing your journey with Payton, even the painful end. It has helped people across the world and will continue to help. We look forward to your return to the blog world, when you are ready.

I wish I could say the words that would make you feel better but I'm not sure those words exist. I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. I've been there and I dread being there again the future. My pugs and I want you to know how much Payton's story and struggles meant to us. Thank you so much for your awareness and illustrating patience and perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds. THANK YOU. We will keep you in our prayers.

Oh Christy. I have tried to work up the courage to read these posts. You are a true inspiration, just like your girl. Thank you for sharing Payton with all of us. We feel so lucky to have met her. And we look forward to seeing you again soon.

My goodness, I'd lost track of your blog for a while - but have always loved the adventures of Payton and her pictures. My heart goes out to you and your family. Payton was a beauty and such an incredible little fighter. Bless you and the doctors who worked so hard on her behalf. Thank you for sharing Payton with all of us.

Found you while researching. Our pug, Stormy was diagnosed with inflammatory brain disease 2 weeks ago. She wont be 2 til Aug 28. She was vomiting, diarrhea, lethargic, just a mess. First vet said the heat and allergies, second emergency vet (after she started rolling and not able to right herself) said inner ear infection. #rd vet (at the emergency vet) said it was neurologic, and we were rushed to a neurologist for an MRI and spinal tap. 5000.00 later we are home with our sweet baby. She is on prednisone and has made a remarkable transformation! Not sure if it will continue, but I pray it does. Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful pug with the world. Monica

At the end of this blog post you will see a couple of pics of Stormy (born during hurricane Irene by candlelight)